Ralf Schumacher has claimed Max Verstappen’s wage and the sponsorship Sergio Perez delivers was a factor in the latter extending his Red Bull Formula 1 contract.
Perez recovered from his mid-season slump last term to produce a positive start to 2024, but he’s failed to progress to Q3 and taken four points in the last two races.
However, Red Bull has now announced that the Mexican has signed a fresh two-year contract extension to remain alongside Verstappen through the 2026 campaign.
Perez provides minimal threat to Verstappen’s championship aspirations and the cordial atmosphere is thought to be an element that the Dutchman aspired to retain.
But speaking prior to the news, Schumacher had stated Verstappen’s estimated $70 million salary was an aspect Red Bull considered when pondering Perez’s future.
The ex-McLaren driver has commercial agreements with Mexican brands Claro and Telcel as well as Disney, KitKat and Nescafe to deliver additional funds to Red Bull.
“As long as Max Verstappen stays, that’s what I’ve heard at least once, the budget limits are relatively tight at Red Bull, and Perez brings money,” he said to Formel1.de.
Red Bull’s title ambitions have come under greater threat this season as both Ferrari and McLaren have reduced the champion’s margin to win races in the last month.
Ferrari’s success at the previous round in Monaco and Red Bull’s contrasting woes have seen the gap in the Constructors’ Championship narrowed down to 24 points.
Despite Perez having extended his stint with Red Bull, Red Bull boss Christian Horner had warned that the Austrian squad requires both drivers to compete at the top.
Regarding Perez’s outing in Monaco which comprised a Q1 exit and a retirement on the opening lap, Horner said: “Well, look, this weekend’s been pretty brutal for him.
“Obviously, we need to make sure that we’ve got both cars up there scoring points because we cannot dismiss the threat of Ferrari and McLaren in both championships.
“Both those teams’ drivers are pushing and knocking the points in.”
However, Horner denied that Perez’s struggles across the last two race weekends would lead the Austrian outfit to reconsider the timeline it decides on the second seat.
Asked whether recent developments could alter Red Bull’s plans, Horner said “Not really. I think that it’s more on our timing. We’ll make a decision in the fullness of time.”
